Homage to Christopher Alexander

Years ago, I came across a manuscript that Christopher Alexander was working on, which was later published as A Pattern Language. This became a seminal book for an entire generation of architects, planners, do-it-yourself builders and garden designers, as well as computer programmers and linguists. This book helped me make sense of what I could feel, but not quite see or articulate. I’ve always had a sense of design; to me design is play. But early on, I wasn’t very aware of what I was doing. Alexander’s patterns offered a structure for my felt-intuitive approach to design. With this structure I was able to ‘see’ relationships and make spaces that fostered a quality of ‘realness’ and presence of vitality. Over the years, his ideas have been a guide for me to go deeper in my understanding of how coherence emerges in our world. What is real is unmeasurable; yet there is a definitive structure to the physical world through which we’re more able to feel the ‘realness’ of life.

Alexander moved on from A Pattern Language in search for even more essential structure. His work, taking nearly 30 years, was published recently as a four-volume tome titled, The Nature of Order. A couple of the reviews on Amazon.com offer a good overview of its key ideas. And I found a wonderful description of his “Fifteen Fundamental Properties” on the website of Kubala Washatko Architects. These web-link sidetrips lead to a rewarding wealth of riches. Enjoy!

I’m grateful for the inspiration I’ve received and give homage to Alexander’s gift. Thank you, Chris!

And, if you’re still interested after those links, check back here as we continue our exploration into coaxing a house to sing. . .